If you’re looking for information about visiting the Ephrata Cloister in Lancaster County, you’re in the right place!
The Ephrata Cloister is a state historic site that was originally home to a distinctive religious community established in 1732 by German immigrant and spiritual mystic Johann Conrad Beissel.
Visitors today can explore its beautifully preserved buildings and learn about the fascinating blend of faith, art, and self-sufficiency that defined the Ephrata Community.
Directions | Hours | Admission Fees
The Ephrata Cloister is located at 632 West Main Street, Ephrata, PA 17522.
The Ephrata Cloister is open 9 am – 4 pm Wednesday through Saturday | 12 pm – 4 pm Sunday | Closed Monday, Tuesday and Major Holidays.
Admission fees to the Cloister as of 2024 are: Adults: (ages 12-64) $10.00 | Senior Citizens: (ages 65 and above) $9.00 | Youth: (ages 3-11) $6.00 | Children: under age 3 are free.
All active duty, National Guard and Reserve military personnel and their families receive free admission.
What You’ll See at the Ephrata Cloister
Johann Conrad Beissel founded the Ephrata Cloister with the intention of living as a hermit, following his own religious convictions.
His vision was to create a society that prepared for a spiritual union with God, a belief that was central to the community’s practices and way of life.
Beissel’s personal magnetism, dynamic leadership, and savvy organizational skills helped the Ephrata Cloister thrive, attracting both celibate members and families who were drawn to his spiritual mysticism.
By the early 1750s, the Ephrata Cloister had grown significantly, with nearly 80 celibate Brothers and Sisters (known as “the Solitary”) living in distinctive Germanic buildings.
Additionally, about 200 family members, known as Householders, resided in nearby homes and farms.
The celibate members led a disciplined life, characterized by hard work, private prayer, sparse vegetarian diets, and minimal sleep, all aimed at preparing for their anticipated heavenly existence.
Their daily labor included farming, papermaking, carpentry, milling, and textile production, reflecting a self-sufficient and industrious community.
Ephrata became renowned for several notable contributions to American culture and history.
The community produced exquisite examples of German calligraphic art, known as Frakturschriften, which were the first of their kind in America.
Additionally, the Ephrata Cloister was a center for musical innovation, with over one thousand a cappella compositions created using Beissel’s unique rules for four-part harmony.
The community also operated an ambitious printing establishment, producing works for both the community and neighboring areas.
One of their most significant achievements was the translation and publication of the 1500-page Martyrs Mirror for the Mennonites, the largest book printed in colonial America.
During the American Revolution, the Ephrata Cloister served a critical role as a hospital for nearly 260 American soldiers, some of whom are buried in the Mount Zion cemetery overlooking the historic grounds.
Life in the Ephrata Cloister was characterized by simplicity and austerity.
Members wore plain white hooded robes and maintained a vegetarian diet, with lamb served during communion as the only exception.
This simple lifestyle extended to their living quarters, which were small, segregated by gender, and featured a hard wooden bench for a bed and a solid wooden block for a pillow.
The community was largely autonomous, with resources such as orchards, gardens, grain fields, and various mills supporting their self-sufficiency.
The Ephrata Cloister began to decline after Beissel’s death in 1768.
The last celibate member passed away in 1813, and the remaining Householders eventually incorporated into the German Seventh Day Baptist Church.
This church continued to use the Cloister buildings until it closed in 1934.
In 1941, the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission took over the administration of the site, initiating a program of research, restoration, and interpretation, supported by the Ephrata Cloister Associates.
Today, the Ephrata Cloister offers visitors a unique window into the past, the preserved buildings and grounds providing a tangible connection to the spiritual and communal life of its early members.
Final Thoughts
The Ephrata Cloister is more than just a historic site; it is a symbol of the rich cultural and religious heritage of early Pennsylvania.
Its story is one of dedication, innovation, and community, offering valuable lessons and insights for all who visit.
As you walk through the tranquil grounds and explore the meticulously preserved and restored buildings, you’ll find yourself transported back to a time of spiritual quest and communal harmony, making the Ephrata Cloister a must-see destination in Lancaster County.
For more information, please visit the Ephrata Cloister’s OFFICIAL WEBSITE.
Nearby Attractions
The Green Dragon Farmers Market in Ephrata, named “The Best Farmers Market in America” by USA Today, has become a beloved destination for both Lancaster County locals and tourists since its establishment in 1932.
Since its opening in 1977, the National Watch and Clock Museum in Lancaster County has grown to house the most extensive collection of horological (time-keeping) artifacts in North America.
The Strasburg Railroad offers scenic sightseeing excursion trains pulled by majestic steam locomotives through the heart of Pennsylvania Dutch Country.
The National Toy Train Museum in Lancaster County houses one of the world’s largest publicly exhibited collections of toy trains and accessories.
Cackleberry Farm Antique Mall, spanning an impressive 26,000 square feet, boasts one of the finest selections of antiques and collectibles in the Lancaster County region.
Find even more great spots to explore in Lancaster County and all across Pennsylvania with the interactive PA Bucket List Travel Map!
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